No abstract

Weather conditions at the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii are analyzed based on local meteorological measurements and routine radiosonde records. Statistics are established for weather conditions prevailing during observations. Correlation between local and radiosonde data is good, indicating that the site is essentially in the free atmosphere. Seeing data recorded in the observatory logbooks is then analyzed and compared to modeled seeing derived from free-atmosphere bulk meteorological data. The correlation here is very poor. Nor does there seem to be any strong relationship between observed seeing and local weather conditions. Finally, even seeing at the various telescope facilities does not correlate well. All of this strongly suggests that most of the observed seeing is created within the domes or their immediate surroundings.

Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What are sunspots? What is a shooting star? Was there ever life on Mars? This book answers the fascinating questions that we have been asking ourselves for hundreds of years. Using non-technical language, the authors summarize current astronomical knowledge, taking care to include the important underlying scientific principles. Plentiful color illustrations, graphs and photographs lend further weight to their simple yet meticulously written explanations. An extensive bibliography allows you to pursue or recap on the subjects that rouse your particular interest. Dip in to discover and learn fascinating facts about our Solar System and the Universe beyond!

No abstract

No abstract